Terminating Therapy: A Professional Guide to Ending on a Positive Note

"Terminating Therapy provides a thoughtful and comprehensive discussion of the many issues involved in termination. It addresses underlying principles and concrete actions in a way that will be consistently helpful to practicing clinicians. This is the single best source I have seen on the subject of termination."
--Steven D. Hollon, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Vanderbilt University

"The simplicity and clarity of her style belie the subtle clinical wisdom that anyone--seasoned therapist/provider or client new to the process--might profitably access. This text, heavily punctuated with 'how to?' and 'what should?' queries throughout, provides guidance and raises issues garnered only from broad clinical experience from which anyone in the practice of psychotherapy might benefit. This work is a must-read clinical treasure that offers gems in sample vignettes and pragmatic applications throughout."
--James L. Rebeta, PhD, President, Manhattan Psychological Association, and Assistant Professor of Psychology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University

The first book of its kind to provide an in-depth and practical approach to termination in the current era of time-limited therapy

A successful termination is a vital phase of any kind of psychotherapy, yet often taken for granted or not considered when therapy is initiated. This text presents a much-needed guide to wrapping up treatment with your clients, covering:

The practical challenges faced by practitioners and possible solutions

How to conceptualize termination as a task of the therapeutic alliance

Setting termination goals and linking them to the treatment plan

Communicating effectively about termination

Recognizing appropriate reasons for termination

The six essential steps to ensure that the practitioner is doing "enough" to achieve a clinically and ethically appropriate process

Written for a wide range of practitioners at all levels of experience, this unique book includes numerous case studies illustrating both typical and difficult situations and provides practical and straightforward advice on ending therapy on a positive note.